i'm new and i need help please

[ksan90]

Hello everyone my name is Kristen. I'm from New York and i'm planning to get my boyfriend a radar detector for Christmas, which is only in a few days. I know practically nothing about radar detectors but I've done some research and talked to a friend and he recommended the Beltronics RX 65. I was wondering if any of you know if this is a good one, or if you recommend any others. I dont want to spend over $300. I'd really appreciate some help with this. thank you

[stlcardsfan]

The RX65 is a good model. For $300 I would recommend that or an Escort 8500 x50. If you increase you budget to $400 you can get the Valentine One. The best windshield mount radar detector available, IMO and the favorite of most hardcore speeders and enthusiasts on this forum.

The V1 has arrows. Patented technology that points to where the radar is coming from... front,side or rear. It is also noticeably more sensitive than both the 8500 x50 and the RX65.

If you read one sentence of this post don't buy a Cobra. They are poor performers that will give you a false sense of security.

[sdmills]

I run the RX65 and Escort 8500 x50. For practicality's sake, I rate them about equal and am satisfied with their performance. They're installed in two different vehicles, I have no preference one over the other, so I don't switch them out when I switch vehicles.

I'm sure others will respond and good luck.

[bksnoopy]

I tested my V1 for a couple of weeks. It was very annoying with all the false beeps. In some cases I would get 4 or 5 false beeps on one intersection.

I would be looking at a Escort 9500ix

Sure I’m angry that I was treated badly by Valentine and his customer service and would never purchase a dog house from them.

I tried everything to improve the V1. I followed all the directions using all three modes of the detector.

I decided to remove it and take it back to Valentine ONE. I got it back within the 30 day money back return policy. They called me that same day and told me there was going to be a $50.00 charge because I cut a wire on “Direct Wire Power Adapter”. I told them that I was willing to buy a new power adapter which is listed on their web site at $13 retail and I thought the $50 was a little too much. She said there was nothing she could do about the charge because it was not returned in “new condition”. I had it boxed up with all the packing that came with it. It was boxed in perfect condition. I did cut a wire to make the power adapter shorter when I wired it to my fuse box.

I asked her to transfer me to Mr. Valentine and she came back on the line and told me he was in a meeting and he said the return charge “is what it is”.

I tried to continue talking to her and asked her why $50? Why not charge me for a new power adapter which only cost $13? She got agitated, defensive and quickly said she will note our conversation on my account and hung up on me.
I tried to contact Mike Valentine. I even sent him a fax. He never got back with me .. YET.

[thx1138]

The RX65 and 8500X50 are good detectors. Its personal preference with alert tones that would steer me to the 8500x50. Check out radarbusters.

However if you can spend a little more, a new Valentine is $399 and is a better performer that the RX65. Also if you call valentine 1, you can pick up a refurb unit for 10% off. You may be able to get the unit returned by bksnoopy if you call now

[snoopyc4]

The RX65 is a good RD. I'd also look into the refurb Escort 8500 for $150.

I would be looking at a Escort 9500ix

This is out of the OP's price range.

[Gokhos]

Hello everyone my name is Kristen. I'm from New York and i'm planning to get my boyfriend a radar detector for Christmas, which is only in a few days. I know practically nothing about radar detectors but I've done some research and talked to a friend and he recommended the Beltronics RX 65. I was wondering if any of you know if this is a good one, or if you recommend any others. I dont want to spend over $300. I'd really appreciate some help with this. thank you

The RX65 is a good RD. A friend has one and loves it. I have a Beltronics 995 but it was closer to $400 - a good RD.

You might want to look into the Escort 9500ix which has redlight camera detecting and a nice blue display but costs about $500 unless you can get it on sale somewhere. Also, any of the Whistler SE series are good RDs: XTR695SE; XTR690SE; and PRO78SE, I have seen them all for under $200 each.


A RD is a good choice for a gift!

Good luck.

[djrams80]

The best value for under $300 is the refurbished Escort 8500 directly from Escort's Ebay page. It costs $150 and comes with a 6 month factory warranty.

[Batman]

The best value for under $300 is the refurbished Escort 8500 directly from Escort's Ebay page. It costs $150 and comes with a 6 month factory warranty.

ditto